How to Stop your dog chewing on the furniture.
Dogs are absolute sweethearts, but with training your dog, you will definitely have your hands full. Chewing is the number one issue puppy parents usually encounter when getting a new puppy.
Dogs love to chew!
There is nothing worse than coming home to ruined slippers, couches, and curtains! You've probably thought about cloning yourself and leaving your other self at home to prevent your dog from ruining your furniture.
Your dog chewing on the wrong item is destructive chewing. Most often, it's furniture.
However, that doesn't mean that your Louis Vuitton bag, electrical wires, or other dangerous objects are safe.
This can be a problem, so both for your own peace of mind’s important to stop the bad habit.
Here are some tips that you can follow to prevent your dog chewing the furniture:
Understanding Your Dog
Dogs who chew are like human babies.
For the first six months, they go through the teething stage, just like kids. During this time, they explore the world with their mouths.
Just like kids, the teething process causes some discomfort for most dogs. Adult dogs also exhibit destructive chewing - a behavior that needs to be addressed immediately.
Chewing can be a natural puppy teething habit, an older dog’s destructive habit, or something else. It’s key to understand your dog and address the issue.
The first step here is to make sure your pet does not have any medical issues.
Dog Proofing Your Home
Ensure your home is safe for chewing dogs by checking for potential hazards.
- Place toxic plants out of reach and remove household chemicals.
- In order to prevent electrocution, electrical cords must be covered or made inaccessible. Pet parents sometimes cover areas their pets are interested in with carpets and rugs.
Puppy proofing a house is difficult, so take it one room at a time. The best way is to get down on your hands and knees to see what a new puppy can get into. You’ll be amazed at what you can see when you’re down low compared to walking the room.
- Watch out for accessible narrow boundaries and unsafe gaps and block them.
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Creating A Safe Space For Your Dog
It is not necessary for your dog to have a large space to feel safe. It can be a simple, comfortable crate or a cozy corner of the apartment.
Baby gates can keep your dogs in certain areas of the home. It is up to you.
As long as your dog feels relaxed and secure, he or she will absolutely appreciate it.
Then, chewing can be directed onto appropriate items so your dog won't destroy furniture or other items of great value.
Keep water and chew toys on hand in this safe area.
Give Your Dog Toys They Can Safely Chew
You don't want your belongings to end up in your pet's mouth, so don't let them have access to them.
- Remove books, shoes, clothing, and trash from her reach.
- Give your dog toys that are highly distinguishable from household items.
- Never offer your dog shoes or socks.
If you catch your dog chewing on something she shouldn’t, make a loud noise to interrupt the behavior. Offer your dog an appropriate chew toy instead, and once they put the toy in their mouths, offer lots of praise and hugs.
You can also offer a treat for the item in their mouths.
Take Time for Playtime With Your Dog
Your dog will enjoy playing and exercising more if you spend more time with them.
It also improves the human-animal bond and burns off the energy that your dog might otherwise direct toward inappropriate behaviors such as chewing.
Playing in the yard isn't the only way to have a happy dog!
Make sure your dog gets mental stimulation as well! Hide treats around the house for your dog to find and play hide and seek with her.
Instead of leaving your dog alone, consider taking them to a friend's house or to a daycare if you will be gone for an extended period.
Dogs need interaction to remain happy and healthy. Bored animals may chew to relieve their frustrations.
Finally, Patience is Key
Every once in a while, even the sweetest dogs have awful moments.
You may end up with destroyed bags and shoes at some point, so you will be frustrated with her.
Here are a few tips.
- Maintain a positive attitude and remind yourself that you want to help your dog with all its behavioral issues. Be gentle with them.
- If your dog chews something inappropriate, consider it your fault, not your dog's. Discover ways to stop your dog from chewing. Your dog may need a trainer in some cases in order to stop destroying things.
Now that you know a few tips to keep your dogs from chewing on furniture, you can prevent them from doing so.
Implement them and be patient with your dog as they adjust to the changes in their environment.
The more you play with, engage them, and give them things they can chew safely, the faster they will learn what is acceptable for them to chew.
If these tactics don't work after a while, or if you don't know how to stop it, contact a trainer or your veterinarian.
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